The best pumpkin picking spots in and around Bristol this Halloween

Nothing says autumn like hot chocolate, crunchy leaves underfoot or a freshly-carved pumpkin on a windowsill- and what could be more wholesome than venturing into the cold out to pick one yourself?

Here we’ve rounded up the best sites in and around Bristol where you can do just that.

AVON VALLEY ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE PARK

Avon Valley’s pumpkin patch will be open until October 31, running from 10am until 4pm each day, and is one of just many fun activities the park has planned for Halloween. Visitors can grab a wheelbarrow and roam through the massive patch to find their perfect pumpkin - there’s even a selection of readily-picked gourds on display for those who’d rather not get muddy. A vast array of entertainment will be happening on the side such as theatrical performances, fire shows, rides, pumpkin paintball and pumpkin cannons. Last year’s event sold out, so grab tickets via the park’s website soon.

Where? Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham. BS31 1TP

NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM

Fun fact - the thousands of pumpkins grown at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm each year are fertilised with elephant poo thanks to the animals that live at the site. Pumpkin Fest also features special Bug Talks over the half term period from October October 25-29 where visitors can discover more about your favourite creepy crawlies. Open from 10.30am-5pm each day.

Where? Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall BS48 1PG

FARRINGTON’S FARM SHOP

This year Farrington’s has grown around 100,000 pumpkins. The 12-acre site boasts a bountiful selection of different varieties including classic ‘Cinderella’ orange pumpkins, white ‘Ghost’ pumpkins and ‘Knucklehead’ knobbly pumpkins. Farrington’s also have a carving marquee where visitors can carve their pumpkins straight after picking. (“Parents will appreciate this as we clear up the mess, so you can keep your kitchens clean!”). The farm shop is open 9am-6pm on Monday-Friday and 9am-4pm on Sundays.

Where? Farrington’s Farm, Home Farm Main Street, Farrington Gurney, Bristol BS39 6UB

PUMPKIN PICKING PATCH

A 40 minute drive from Bristol, the Pumpkin Patch near Bath will be opening its eight-acre field for 2021, offering fun activities such as pumpkin decorating, photo shoots and of course, pumpkin picking. Take refuge in the Pumpkin house decorated with different varieties of pumpkins and enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and cakes thanks to the Tin Can Coffee team. Open from 9.30am until 4.00pm on the following dates October 10-11, 17-18 and 24-31.

Where? The Pumpkin Picking Patch Bath, The Globe Roundabout, A4, Bath, Somerset, BA2 9BB